The Market Square Underground is a Europe‑class exhibition located beneath Krakow's Main Market Square that reveals traces of the medieval city, archaeological finds and the history of trade and urban life from centuries past. It's a wonderful place to see how Krakow’s center looked in earlier times and to experience the atmosphere from a completely different perspective.
Visiting the underground gives you the chance to view fragments of old buildings, archaeological discoveries and multimedia displays that explain the historical context — it’s not just a museum, but a kind of journey through time.
Prepare before you go: the exhibition is below ground, it can be cool and you will need to climb stairs, but the experience is well worth it, especially if you combine the visit with a guided tour. A guide will point out the most interesting finds and explain their historical background.
In 2025 the standard admission fees for the museum beneath the Main Market Square are usually as follows:
- adult (standard) ticket: about 13 PLN
- reduced ticket: about 10 PLN
- group ticket: about 10 PLN per person
- school group ticket: about 7 PLN per person
- family ticket: about 30 PLN (for example 2 adults + 2 children or 1 adult + 3 children up to 16 years).
Mondays often feature free‑entry periods during specified hours — on such days groups commonly pay only the guided‑service fee. Opening hours and rules (e.g. closed days, last entry times) can vary seasonally, so check the time of the last entry before you plan your visit.
Note: museum prices can change depending on the source or season — the figures above are the typical rates applied in 2025. If you have specific dates in mind, check current hours, availability and any rules for free‑entry days.
Visits to the Market Square Underground for groups are often led by museum or city guides who have completed special training to guide this exhibition. A typical fee for a guided service on museum grounds in 2025 is about 150 PLN per group (school rates may be lower, for example around 110 PLN).
In practice, this means that in addition to ticket purchases each group reserving a guided tour can expect to add the stated guiding fee, whether the guide is a city or museum guide (as long as the guide has the required training).
If you plan to tour with a guide, it's a good idea to agree in advance on the reservation method and meeting point, and to mention any restrictions (for example, no tripods or flash photography).
If you would like to tour with licensed Krakow guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz, here is a clear summary of the suggested rates for 2025 (seasonal promotions included):
Sightseeing in Polish (small groups: 1–35 people) — promotion (period: October 1, 2025 – March 1, 2026):
- 2 hours: 300 PLN (regular price: 350 PLN)
- 3 hours: 400 PLN (regular price: 450 PLN)
- 4 hours: 500 PLN (regular price: 550 PLN)
- each additional hour: 80 PLN (regular price: 100 PLN)
- themed tours (2 hours): 370 PLN.
Sightseeing in Polish (large groups: from 36 people) — promotion:
- 2 hours: about 12 PLN per person
- 3 hours: about 15 PLN per person
- 4 hours: about 18 PLN per person
- each additional hour: about 5 PLN per person.
Sightseeing in English (small groups: 1–35 people) — promotion:
- 2 hours: 400 PLN (regular price: 450 PLN)
- 3 hours: 500 PLN (regular price: 600 PLN)
- 4 hours: 650 PLN (regular price: 750 PLN)
- each additional hour: 120 PLN (regular price: 160 PLN).
Sightseeing in English (large groups) — indicative prices per person start at around 18 PLN for a 2‑hour tour.
There are also convenient headset sets (audio‑guide / tour guide system) available at about 8 PLN per person — a useful solution for larger groups.
These rates are designed to be flexible: short guided walks around the Market or Wawel, as well as longer thematic tours covering Kazimierz or Podgórze, can be arranged. If you want to visit the Market Square Underground with a guide, the route and timing can be tailored to your interests.
Booking a guide is the best way to ensure a relaxed and informative visit — the guide will provide historical context and answer questions that aren't covered on the exhibit labels.
A few practical tips for booking:
- agree on a meeting time in advance — popular slots (weekends, afternoons) fill up quickly;
- say whether you want to visit only the Underground or combine it with a Market, Wawel or other city route — that helps tailor time and price;
- ask about entry formalities (e.g. maximum group size, special rules on free‑entry days);
- for school groups and larger parties it's worth reserving headset sets to improve audibility.
If you wish, I can prepare a sample Market Square Underground itinerary with Małgorzata Kasprowicz tailored to your visit length and group size.
- Allow about 60–120 minutes for the route; for guided groups plan 90–120 minutes, especially if you want a deeper historical narrative.
- Wear comfortable shoes and bring a light layer — the underground can be cooler than street level.
- Flash photography and tripods are prohibited in the Underground — keep this in mind when planning photos.
- Visitors with mobility limitations should check in advance what access options are available — parts of the exhibition may only be reachable by stairs.
- If you plan to visit on a Monday with free entry, remember that guided reservations and space limits are prioritized on those days.
- For larger groups, consider renting headset sets — they help people hear clearly and keep the visit organized.
After coming up from the Underground it's nice to rest and enjoy a meal — the city center has many options within a short walk. A few friendly recommendations:
- Wierzynek — a historic restaurant serving traditional Polish cuisine, located right on the Main Market Square;
- Cafe Camelot — an atmospheric café near the Market, great for cake and coffee after touring;
- Miód Malina — a welcoming spot for lunch or dessert in the nearby area;
- Charlotte — a well‑known bakery/bistro for breakfast and light meals (near Plac Szczepański).
If you'd prefer something less touristy, I can suggest local cafés and restaurants depending on the cuisine you prefer.
Do I have to book a guide to enter the Market Square Underground?
- Not always. Individual visitors can buy a single ticket, but groups are often required to visit with a trained guide. For comfort and a fuller understanding of the exhibition I recommend booking a guide.
How long does a typical guided visit last?
- Usually 60–120 minutes, depending on whether you combine the Underground with a short Market walk or additional stops.
Are there discounts for children and students?
- Yes — the museum offers reduced tickets and special rates for school groups. Families can also use family tickets.
Can I take photos?
- Photography is generally allowed but without flash and without tripods — this is standard practice in archaeological museums.
What should I do if I'm in a large group?
- For groups above a certain size (for example 36 people) group rates for guiding and per‑person entry fees typically apply. Arrange details in advance and consider using a headset system.
The Market Square Underground is a must‑see for history lovers and anyone curious about Krakow's stories. If you'd like to visit with a guide — I can help organize the route and tailor it to your expectations. Małgorzata Kasprowicz is happy to guide small and larger groups, sharing her passion for the city and many anecdotes that will make the visit more enjoyable.
If you wish, write to me and I will prepare a suggested itinerary (time, estimated price, highlights to see) and help arrange a convenient date.
Enjoy your visit — Krakow has many stories to tell, and the Market Square Underground is one of the best places to start.
Currency: Poland uses the Polish złoty (PLN). Many places accept cards but having some cash can be useful for small purchases.
Language: Polish is the local language; English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Choosing a guide who speaks your language will improve the experience.
Transport: The Old Town is best explored on foot. If you arrive by tram or bus, stops near the Main Market Square are well connected.
Safety: Krakow is generally safe for tourists. Keep usual precautions with personal belongings in crowded places.
